Genius re-hires ex-MGM exec

LA-based kids company Genius Brands International has re-hired former MGM VP of finance Rebecca Hershinger.

Having worked with GBI since early 2014 through he role at CFO Advisory Services and as CFO for GBI between October 2014 and June 2015, she has been named CFO, reporting to company CEO and chairman Andy Heyward.

Hershinger will also join GBI’s directors’ board and relocate to the firm’s Beverley Hills headquarters from Salt Lake City, Utah.

GBI’s entertainment assets include the Kid Genius Channel on the Xfinity On Demand platform, preschool brand Llama Llama, tween girls brand SpacePOP and a content library of Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club and Stan Lee’s Mighty 7 (pictured).

“Genius Brands is amidst a period of rapid growth, and requires a strong executive with superb skills in overseeing the finances of a public company. Rebecca has the pedigree and expertise to lead us on this journey of continued expansion,” said Heyward, the veteran kids TV executive who took control of GBI in 2014.

While at Hollywood studio MGM, Hershinger held various roles and had various duties, including M&A analysis, fil slate financing vehicles and deal scrutiny.